What Brand of Analogue Meter That You Are Using?
I used to get emails telling me that they confused about the reverse and forward bias when checking a diode/LED with an analogue multimeter. I told them that the result was actually depends on what brand of analogue meter they were using. For me, i use the Sunwa analogue meter that has the x 10 Ohm range and the output polarity of the probes is actually reversed. That means, from the front panel the red probe is actually negative and the black probe is positive. You can confirm this by testing the probes with another digital voltmeter. Most digital meter has the same output polarity with the probes.
I’m not sure what brand of analogue meter you are using, if you use the one that has the same output polarity with the probes, i would like to hear from you-thanks.
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beh
August 27, 2010 at 12:41 pm
HELLO JESTINE
i want to say thank you any way to be the third commentator is not bad
enough i will try more to be one.
but i have analog HIOKI originally made of japan and the probes are like your SUNWA meter
thanx and rgrds
beh
Sam C
August 27, 2010 at 12:45 pm
The current 360 series Sanwa multitester YX360TRF uses only two 1.50V batteries and does not have a x10k ohm range. It has x100k instead.
http://sanwa-meter-usa.com/product/amt/yx360trf_e.html
It did not work well with your diode testing method and I returned it. I bought one earlier this year when my 40+ year old YX360TR finally kicked the bucket. I replaced two open resistors (19 Ω and 200 Ω) in my old meter and all is well again. We have low humidity and mild temperature (20-25 °C indoors) year around. I think it will last another 40+ years 🙂
The Sanwa in your picture is a YX360TRN. I believe a YX960TR also works.
admin
August 27, 2010 at 9:31 pm
HI Beh,
Hioki is also a good brand and i forgot to tell you all, the Kyoritsu meter also has the output polarity as the Sunwa. No worries about the commentator thing. Just feel free to comment if you have thing to comment-not compulsory. Thanks!
Jestine
admin
August 27, 2010 at 9:37 pm
HI Sam,
Thanks for sharing. Yes, the Sunwa/Sanwa meter that does not have the 10K ohm range could not test on certain components especially the FETs. Usually old meter is more reliable. Yes,the YX960TR also can be used and you could see the photo in this link:
http://www.o-digital.com/uploads/2179/2193-4/Multimeter_YX_960TR_206.jpg
For the readers, SUNWA is made from Taiwan/China and Sanwa is made from Japan.
Jestine
Jagdesh Outar
August 27, 2010 at 10:47 pm
hi Jestine
I am using Bk multitester and it work good, have no problem it uses two 1.5v and a 9v battery.
all anologue tester have their polarity reverse cause of the internal battery.
Ritchie
Yinka
August 28, 2010 at 4:25 am
i use a Craftsman
admin
August 28, 2010 at 9:21 am
HI Ritchie,
Thanks for the info.
Jestine
admin
August 28, 2010 at 9:28 am
HI Yinka,
Is the output polarity from this meter reverse?
Jestine
siebo
August 28, 2010 at 6:16 pm
Hi
i`m looking for a good meter to test all electronic components.
is this one fine? can i test all components with it?
http://cgi.ebay.nl/Sunwa-19-Range-Analog-Multimeter-VOM-Microamp-Meter-/260513356029?pt=Messger%C3%A4te
admin
August 28, 2010 at 9:29 pm
Hi Siebo,
This is a common analogue meter and i have one too. It can't test all components. You need different meters to test on different components. For example, you need ESR meter to test on e-caps, ring tester to test on coils, digital ohm meter to test on resistor value.
Jestine
polykarp
November 3, 2010 at 5:14 pm
HELLO JESTINE
i hawe one qestiou. i hawe analog mulimeter PROTEK(Hung Chang HC-5050E).
my qestuion is it is equiped with 2x1,5V + 9V bateries but i think it is suitable for checkihg of FET transistors, becus the output voltage on X10k range is only 1,5V (mesured with DMM). The manual and schematic is here: http://elektrotanya.com/hung_chang_hc-5050e_sch.pdf/download.html.
I am right in my assume?
Thanks for answer
polykarp
admin
November 4, 2010 at 6:30 am
HI Polykarp,
The manual is too small. Anyway, could you double confirm again the output of the probes when you set it to x 10k ohm-it should have 12 volt and not 1.5 volt.
Jestine
jafri
December 19, 2011 at 12:51 pm
hello Mr.Jesten, I posiable please tell me the cell (3volts) connection of my Samwa YX960TR, multimeter or tester. That metter was fell down just after purchasing, that is my long time saveing money. But now its cell connection is open and i don't know where that wires joint. So please help me in this matter and save my money and interest also. Because without metter i am help less to do any repairing. Your consideration in this matter will be highly appreciated. Waiting a helpful replay. Regards..... JAFRI.
admin
December 21, 2011 at 6:17 am
Hi Jafri,
I do not have that model otherwise i can do a comparison. Do you have some photos to show me. please send to jestineyong(at)electronicrepairguide.com
Jestine
richar
April 21, 2012 at 7:15 pm
sir do you have a copy of schematic diagram of sanwa yx360trf? i just want to see it for educational purpose?.. thanks sir!
Jestine Yong
April 21, 2012 at 10:43 pm
Hi Richar,
Try this link:
http://www.scribd.com/doc/48768685/Sanwa-YX-360TR-Multitester
jESTINE
Umer Yar
June 20, 2012 at 7:05 am
Sir I have Sunwa YX960TR and its some component are burnt i.e R18, R19 etc. Now how can i Replace them I don't khow their values. please informe me at
Jestine Yong
June 20, 2012 at 9:03 am
Hi Umer,
YX360TR or YX960TR?
Jestine
Moises Zagala
June 20, 2012 at 5:34 pm
Hi there, I have a Sunwa 360TRn, however I have noticed three bad aspects about it. Mine, overshoots the measurements for a brief moment to finally settle in the right value (can't say if it happen to other meters or if it is just mine that is faulty). Second, it doesn't include a buzzer or LED for continuity (could be modded?), third, current scale is too low. P.D. I know there are models that can do all of this. I use a Simpson 260-8PRT as bench analog multimeter, I know its big but is very reliable. Best regards.
Layanal
October 17, 2012 at 4:39 am
Dear All, I am using Hung Chang small multimeeter. Its has a one of Resister connection with meeter(-) pole. That resister was burn. I dont know what is the real value of this. Please if you know the value of this resister please send me. Or if you have multimeeter curcuit diagramm then send me.
Thanks a lot
Layanal
Jestine Yong
October 17, 2012 at 5:22 am
Hi Layanal,
Sorry we do not have the schematic.
Jestine
Mohammad Younas
November 27, 2012 at 7:39 am
Dear Jestine,
I am using China made multimeter SAMWA YX-960TR. One resistpr R-18 burnt out, can you please guide me for schematic diagram to know the value of R-18 and also for future use.
Regards.
Mohammad Younas
Jestine Yong
November 27, 2012 at 11:21 pm
Hi Mohammad,
Sorry I do not have such a schematic. Try search from eserviceinfo.com
Jestine
Milo Austin
January 8, 2014 at 6:10 am
Hi Jestine,
The first electronic kit I built was a KnightKit VOM (Allied Radio, Chicago) when I was a teenager in about 1963. I left the electronic hobby many years ago, but came back after a long while. I have not used an analog VOM since those early days. I know the VOMs many times will check solid state devices where some of the digital won't. I now have a very useful tester DCA55 for semiconductors, and it does so much more.
All that to say this. What is the special reason you have for using an Analog meter, other than possibly for semiconductors?
Thanks,
Milo
Jestine Yong
January 8, 2014 at 11:19 am
Hi Milo,
Thanks. I also have the DCA 55 from Peak Atlas. As for Analogue meter, apart from checking the semiconductor I liked the fast response of the needle as compare to digital readout.
Jestine
Michael
May 20, 2014 at 5:26 pm
I have a SANWA YX360TRF analog Multi-tester which is broke. Could someone help me to to fix it by giving me a schematic diagram. hope for your concern. god bless
Robert
May 21, 2014 at 1:05 am
Hello Mr. Yong,
I have a DCA75 Pro & SCR100 Triac/ Thyristor analyzers from Peak Atlas.
My analog meter is a Tenma 72-8170.
Jestine Yong
May 21, 2014 at 9:47 am
Hi Robert,
Good to know that. Having good meters and tools will surely speed up your repair job.
Jestine
SK Wong
September 6, 2015 at 11:04 pm
IHi Jestine I am using a Sanwa 360YTR which is about 50 years old. This meter uses 2x1.5 v and a 22.5 v battery. Now I can't use the 10,000 R range because of the 22.5 v battery availability. Is there a way to modify the meter to use 9v battery instead of the 22.5 v battery ?
Jestine Yong
September 7, 2015 at 4:42 pm
Hi SkWong,
Just to check what happen to the meter when a 9 volt battery is installed? I presume the needle would not be able to flick to "0" when doing the calibration. I have seen the diagram https://sites.google.com/site/wongkm33site/_/rsrc/1281242396105/dian-lu-tu-ji/C,360-Ytr.png and there is a 10 K VR. Have you tried adjust the Vr when a 9 volt battery is connected? I see that you can try to modify 2 pcs of 9 volt and 3 pieces of 1.5 volt batteries in series to make it 22.5 volt. But of course the battery holder has to be install externally.
Jestine
SK Wong
September 14, 2015 at 5:42 pm
Hi Jestine
Thanks for your fast response. I'll try with the 9V battery first.
SK Wong
September 14, 2015 at 10:33 pm
Hi Jestine
I had tested with 9v battery and as what you said cannot zero the pointer at the x10k range. When I connect the meter to 22.5 v regulated power supply the pointer can be zeroed at x10k range.
It will not be convenient to connect external power or battery to the meter.I guess I'll buy a Sunwa yx360 TRE which has connectivity indicator LED and buzzer and cost only RM 38.00
Anyway thanks for your help !
Jestine Yong
September 15, 2015 at 10:44 am
HI Sk Wong,
Yes, getting a new one is much more cheaper. To some, this kind of tester has sentimental value.
Jestine
Woo
September 26, 2015 at 8:05 pm
Hi Jestine, I have an Sanwa YX360TR analog multimeter that had been used for years. But recently when checking Voltage, the reading seems unreliable and I do not know what had gone wrong. Can you advice? Tks.
For info, when testing a 12V car battery at selector of DCV 50, the meter indicate 40V. When testing the the house Electricity 240V at selector of ACV 250, the meter shows only 150V. Would like to learn from you what is the problem and is there any solution to resolve this problem. Hope you can reply soon. Tks.
Jestine Yong
September 26, 2015 at 9:02 pm
HI Woo,
Is the ohm range accurate when check on resistors? Try check different value of resistors. If the value is accurate then you may need to open up the meter and check on the resistors in the dc voltage range. If it is not accurate and can't be tune to infinity then possible the needle coil could have problem.
Jestine
Jestine
Woo
September 26, 2015 at 10:05 pm
Hi Jestine,
Tks for ur prompt respond. When select to ohm, needle will go below the scale from infinity for all the ohm selections. Whereas when selected to other position for ACV, DCV, or DCmA, needle will be at zero point.
Can this be confirm that the needle coil is defective? Is there any quick fix or cure for this defect ? Pls confirm Tks.
Jestine Yong
September 28, 2015 at 11:39 am
HI Woo,
I have not seen this problem before. I suggest that you make sure the batteries are new and check all the resistors in the voltage range. If the coil is bad it would not go to Infinity.
Jestine
Woo
September 28, 2015 at 8:09 pm
Hi Jestine,
Tks for ur reply. Just to reconfirmed with you. Which battery u are referring to? The 1.5 V AA battery or the 9V battery?
Next is about the checking of the resistors in the voltage range, do I have to remove them one by one to test their resistances? Or just check their appearance? Pls brief..tks.
Jestine Yong
September 29, 2015 at 12:18 pm
HI Woo,
The 1.5 volt batteries is for the x1 Ohm up till x 1 K ohm range and 9volt is for X10 K Ohm range. As for the resistors, the best is to remove one leg out for accurate testing.
Jestine
Woo
September 26, 2015 at 10:13 pm
Hi Jestine,
I have another doubt that need ur clarification. What is the main purpose of the 9V battery inside the meter ? What will happen if its voltage go low? Pls provide info on this. Tks.
Jestine Yong
September 28, 2015 at 11:36 am
HI WOO,
The battery is for the power to test components under x10 K ohm. If it is low then under x 10 K ohm you can't calibrate it to zero
Jestine
Paris Azis
January 11, 2016 at 7:12 pm
Hello Jestine
As far as I know, all analog multimeters present reverse polarity at their probes' terminals for their resistance testing voltages, this being based upon their design. All of them I have used in the past (Central, Palace) up to the one I currently use (Mastech) are working in the same way. Perhaps this has to do with the place of the nulling end for these measurements. In older VTVMs for example, which also included a 1,5V battery for resistance measurements, this Ohms zeroing point adjustment before taking measurements was reversed in comparison to ordinary analog VOMs. Analog VOMs' null point adjustment is done by bringing the needle pointer on the right end side of the panel instrument while VTVMs' Ohms null point was done by bringing it on the left end side of the panel instrument. The point is that after so many years that I abandoned my old (Tech) VTVM, I don't remember clearly the polarity of the testing voltage at the probe output (against the ground). I only think that it was "normal", that is, positive...
Regards
Jestine Yong
January 11, 2016 at 9:30 pm
Hi Paris,
Thanks for the clear explanation.
Jestine
Hiew
April 13, 2016 at 1:34 am
Hi
A novice electronics hobbist here.
Need help on purchasing a good and reasonable analog multimeter. I spot three of them but do not know which to choose. Kindly guide me please.
1. Sanwa YX-360TRF
2. Proskit MT-2017
3. Brother HD-390
Is it without the x10k, there are certain components are unable to diagnose? Or could we use an alternative way to test it?
Your guide are greatly appreciated. Thanks.
Jestine Yong
April 13, 2016 at 8:58 am
Hi Hiew,
Don't buy the Sanwa meter because it does not have the x10 K ohm range to check on the FET and to provide accurate testing for diode and zener diode. I have not used the other two types but it seems they are made from the same factory because both have the same type of design cover. Both I believe have the same qualtiy and it depends on your budget on which one you want to choose.
Jestine